Vacation rentals in Cortez

Located 30 minutes northwest of Sarasota, Cortez is one of the last remaining active fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With seafood restaurants and bait shops on stilts directly over the water, the town has maintained much of its 19th-century charm and authenticity. The smell of fried grouper and mullet fills the air as you meander along the pier watching boats bob in the harbor. Cortez’s historic waterfront has a throwback vibe with souvenir and gift shops next door to beach apparel stores, where you can rent boogie boards and lounger chairs by the hour.

Most people who come here do so to get on the water. Jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular pastimes, and you can even rent a pontoon boat for a lazy day on the gulf. For a quick excursion, nearby Anna Maria Island boasts vast stretches of pearly-white sand and glittering emerald waters while providing spectacular vistas of Tampa Bay and Sunshine Skyway.

Throughout the year, Cortez sees relatively warm temperatures and sunny days. Summers are humid and can be rainy, as hurricane season ramps up in August and lasts through November. Winters experience windy and cooler conditions, though the days are still warm enough to spend on the water.

Throughout the year, Cortez hosts several events and festivals that celebrate the town and its heritage. The Annual Stone Crab Festival takes place in October and features live music, local art vendors, and fresh seafood. In February, the village hosts its annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, a two-day event that showcases the state’s commercial seafood industry and features fishing boats, gear, workshops, and arts and crafts vendors.

The Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez

Learn about Florida’s seafaring legacy at the Florida Maritime Museum, which features exhibits and offers classes that teach a variety of skills, including knot tying, sailing, and the art of constructing a fishing rod. The museum spotlights the significance the fishing industry has had in shaping Florida’s traditions and culture through the present day.

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is just a quick drive or shuttle ride away and is home to a handful of pristine white-sand beaches. The gentle shallows and glistening waters make a great backdrop for a day in the sun minus the crowds. Be aware that there are no equipment rentals on Anna Maria Island, so you’ll need to pack what you want to use or get your gear from Cortez before heading over.

Cortez Beach

Cortez Beach boasts gentle waves, warm, clear waters, and a long stretch of white sand sheltered by dunes blanketed in vibrant green shrubbery. Cortez Beach is ideal for beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The beach is more secluded and tends to be less crowded than some nearby beaches. Keep an eye out for the many seabirds that are usually frolicking near shore.